The saying goes, “The best things in life are free.” This couldn’t be more true and even in modern times, where everything seems to have a price, it’s relieving to know there are still ways to improve your life without spending a single dollar. Here are 17 ways to do so.
Take a Day Off
What this means is, that instead of doing chores on a day off, have a day of doing absolutely nothing. For example, The Frugalite says “Spend the day actually relaxing, whatever that means to you.” It could mean binge-watching a TV show, reading a book, or going for a walk.
Digital Detox
Try to minimize online contact by limiting time on your phone or turning it off completely. By disconnecting yourself from social media and the news, it can help to have a calming effect, especially if you suffer from anxiety. It’ll help to give a sense of renewal and readiness by staying more present in the moment.
Spend Time With Nature
Being outdoors is great for mental health. Priory supports this by saying “people who spent two hours a week in green spaces were substantially more likely to report good health and improved psychological wellbeing vs. those that didn’t.” Activities can include walking, cycling, or even gardening.
Free Community Events
Sometimes the community puts on free events, which means entertainment without having to spend a cent. Check local libraries and parks for any free events in the area. There may be things worth attending such as cinema nights, concerts or festivals. It also allows you to become more connected with your community.
Connect with Friends
It’s important to make time with friends even if you have a busy schedule. If you’re low on money there are still fun things to do for free like stay in and watch a movie or go for a walk. Connecting with friends will strengthen any relationship and create special memories.
Meditate
This will only take around 10-15 minutes out of your day but it can seriously benefit your mental health. Life and a Budget supports this by saying you should either get up early or stay up late to meditate and make sure to keep at it, even if you feel like you’re getting nowhere. Meditation significantly reduces stress and helps to practice mindfulness.
Listen to Music
Listening to a favorite artist or album can help to uplift a mood and relax a person. Music can also be played in the background to give a person motivation when they’re trying to work or even clean the house. Try creating different playlists for different moods.
Movie Nights
Watching movies or TV shows at night can help with relaxation, especially after a long and stressful day. PsychCentral backs this by writing “Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as watching movies, can be beneficial. It could boost your mental health, relieve stress, and foster relationships.”
Get Creative
This can be done in the comfort of your own home and consists of something as simple as drawing and coloring in. Other ways to explore creativity without spending any money can be writing, or if you have all the ingredients cooking or baking. Artistic expression is a great form of stress relief.
Handwritten Notes
Write something handwritten. This could be a love letter to a significant other or a cute note to say how much you appreciate someone. Expressing gratitude and appreciation can help to release feel-good hormones and spread a little kindness as well as strengthen relationships.
Recreate Special Memories
Ramsey says “Think of a day (or event) in your life that meant a lot to you. Maybe it was your first date with your spouse or a road trip with your best friend. Find little ways to share that memory all over again.” This can easily be done for free if you have photos saved on a device.
Be Fully Present in Conversations
Practicing active listening in conversations can help to show a person how much they mean to you. It allows you to give your undivided attention to the person you’re having a conversation with. This shows that you both value and respect them and it means they should also put effort into the conversation.
Include New People in Your Activities
According to SuceedSocially “To form a social life an important step is to take the initiative to try to make plans with potential friends, and not to wait around and hope they’ll invite you out first.” It can reduce loneliness and also expand social circles by building on community.
Smile
Something that’s completely free to do and an instant mood booster! Not only will it help your mood but also those around you. Smiling improves social interactions and helps to build relationships. It’s also supposed to help with your mental health as smiling contributes to overall well-being.
Volunteer
Helping out at a charity or community event doesn’t cost anything, yet it still has a ton of rewards. For example, HelpGuide writes “Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier.” It’ll help your mental health by giving you a sense of fulfillment.
Start a Personal Project
If there are any hobbies that you’ve been wanting to try out, then why not give them a go? Personal projects may even be something as simple as heading to the library to pick up a book or starting a free online course. Enriching your daily life can help to bring a sense of joy to it.
Reorganize Your Living Space
A little feng shui can go a long way. Changing your environment may allow you to see things from a fresh perspective. Cleaning your home and then rearranging it will enhance your well-being. It’s a simple and free way to refresh your home and may also be perfect to do with seasons changing.
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